Chapter Fifty-Six: Are You Happy Now?

Young Master Liu hung his head low. Though resentment still simmered within him, he dared not openly show his displeasure, especially in the presence of the Duke Protector’s household. The other party had offered him a way to step down gracefully; aside from accepting it, he had no other choice.

Miss Shen and Young Master Shen had come in person, already granting the Liu family ample respect. Yet, in the end, they stood under the powerful shadow of the Duke Protector’s estate, while the Liu family was but a modest merchant household in the capital, entirely incapable of contending with such influence. Yielding to the situation was the only sensible path left to them.

With this in mind, Young Master Liu spoke up, “This matter is not solely Young Master Shen’s fault; I was the one who first took the private room that Young Master Shen had reserved. I did not expect things to escalate as they did. Though my household is neither wealthy nor noble, we have always managed a decent living through trade. Since my father fell ill, however, our business has declined sharply…”

Shen Nanyuan heard the underlying meaning in his words and nodded slightly. “Rest assured, Young Master Liu. The Duke Protector’s household will see to it that your family is compensated.”

Such matters were trivial. Even if he hadn’t mentioned it, Shen Nanyuan had already intended to make amends.

Young Master Liu’s gaze shifted to Shen Jinyu, who stood beside Shen Nanyuan. Watching his subdued demeanor—the former arrogance nowhere to be seen—he continued in a measured tone, “I am aware that the Duke Protector’s household has always sent fine medicinal herbs and treasures here. I am not a greedy man, nor do I have any other requests. There is only one last thing I hope Young Master Shen can grant me.”

At these words, Shen Jinyu looked up in surprise, puzzled as to what more could be asked of him, for everything he possessed came from the Duke Protector’s estate.

Under the gaze of all present, Shen Jinyu, though still confused, nodded. “If it is within my power, I will do my best to fulfill your request.”

“Very well,” Young Master Liu replied. “In the future, may Young Master Shen cede that private room at the Bright Moon Restaurant to me? I heard that after your men assaulted me, you spent a hefty sum to reserve the room for yourself.”

At this, Shen Jinyu’s face darkened. Their conflict had begun over that very private room, and now to give it up would be tantamount to telling the entire capital that he, Shen Jinyu, had conceded, handing it over to someone surnamed Liu. From then on, everyone in the city would surely mock him.

Shen Jinyu’s eyes grew stormy, his outward composure nearly shattered by his simmering anger. Shen Nanyuan, however, calmly patted his arm and smiled, “So it’s just this small matter. There’s no harm in it.”

She continued, “Jinyu will gladly present it to you, Young Master Liu.”

Then she tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing about her lips. “Is that not so?”

“…Yes,” Shen Jinyu ground out through clenched teeth. “It’s just a private room, after all.”

A trace of satisfaction flickered across Young Master Liu’s face. “Then my thanks to Miss Shen and Young Master Shen.”

Thus, the matter was finally resolved. Yet, on their way back, Shen Jinyu’s expression was so sour it was as though someone owed him a great debt. Shen Nanyuan, seeing this, could not help but press her fingers to her brow in exasperation.

“It’s only a private room. Was it not a fair trade for keeping your leg?” she remarked lightly.

Shen Jinyu’s demeanor stiffened at once. He looked up, brow furrowing, suddenly finding her words quite reasonable. Yet, he could not help but grumble, “Now the whole capital will be laughing at me.”

“What does that matter?” Shen Nanyuan replied carelessly. “If Father hears how obedient you were this time, he will surely be proud of you. Why concern yourself with the opinions of those unrelated to you? What should matter is how those close to you see you.”

After a moment’s reflection, Shen Jinyu’s expression softened, and he nodded. “Sister, you are right.”

Besides, rumors in the capital were ever-changing; soon enough, this matter would be eclipsed by other scandals.

The carriage rolled along at an unhurried pace. Bored, Shen Jinyu lifted the curtain to glance outside, only to realize with surprise that they were not taking the road back to the Duke Protector’s estate.

He let the curtain fall, curiosity piqued. “Where are we going?”

“To the Bright Moon Restaurant,” Shen Nanyuan replied. “Since we paid dearly for that room, it would be a shame not to use it at least once. Before handing it over to Young Master Liu, we ought to enjoy it ourselves.”

A spark of delight lit up Shen Jinyu’s face.

“Feeling better?” Shen Nanyuan asked.

He nodded vigorously, a bright smile spreading across his face. “Much better.”

—

The Duke Protector’s residence was unusually quiet.

Today, Shen Sinian was on duty at the city gates and had yet to return. Xiao Yan stood behind a rockery in the rear courtyard of the Pavilion of Youth, his gaze cool as he addressed the man before him. “What do you want?”

The man bowed low in salute. “Your Highness.”

Xiao Yan frowned slightly at the form of address, clearly still unaccustomed to it.

“The Prime Minister wishes me to ask when Your Highness will return to the palace.”

Ever since the Prime Minister had confirmed his lineage, he had kept in close contact, but Xiao Yan had yet to reconcile himself to the abrupt transformation from servant to prince. He had asked the Prime Minister to allow him time to consider, but after several days, the Prime Minister’s patience had waned, prompting him to send this inquiry.

The current third prince, lost in childhood due to a tragic accident, had only recently been found—news that would surely shake the royal family. His mother was the present Empress, and with such a status, the question of succession would inevitably grow turbulent. For now, the Emperor was in good health, and the princes dared not show their ambitions. But should his health falter, all manner of factions would begin to stir.

Xiao Yan’s thoughts were elsewhere. After a moment’s deliberation, he replied, “Tell the Prime Minister that I am not yet ready to return to the palace. I will consider it after some time.”

The guard bowed again. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“And another thing,” Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes slightly. “Keep me informed of all happenings within the palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than footsteps sounded nearby. The guard hastily said, “I take my leave,” and withdrew.

Xiao Yan nodded indifferently, then sat down at his leisure on a bench within the pavilion, his gaze falling upon the plump, white koi in the pond—well-fed by Shen Nanyuan. As he watched them, his thoughts turned unexpectedly inward.

“What are you doing here?”

The voice of Jin Zhu called out, “Uncle Li is looking for you. It’s raining today, so he’s made some ginger soup to keep the chill away. You should go have some.”

Xiao Yan replied, “I know.”

If he returned to the palace, he doubted anyone there would show him such simple kindness.

He unfurled his umbrella and took a few steps before suddenly asking, “When will Miss return?”

“She should be back after lunch,” Jin Zhu replied. “She and young master are going to the Bright Moon Restaurant together.”